Today marks a truly special – and emotional – milestone for all of us at Loch Leven Equine Practice. After 20 years at the very heart of our team, our wonderful Patty has hung up her headset, tidied her desk for the last time, and is now heading off into a very well-earned retirement.
Patty joined us back in 2005 as our very first employee, when Loch Leven Equine Practice was little more than a dream taking shape. At the time, the “office” was a room in Liz and Hugh’s cottage, swiftly followed by a Portakabin (then another!), an outside loo, and a paper diary to keep us organised. From those early, humble beginnings, right through to the busy, thriving practice we are today, Patty has been the constant thread running through it all.
Over the years, she’s worn many hats – and worn them all with patience, humour, and care. She’s baked hundreds of birthday cakes, made countless pots of soup, processed thousands of insurance forms, and supported every member of our ever-growing team. She’s kept us on track, cheered us on, and always been the first to lend a helping hand.
But Patty’s role has gone far beyond her “job.” She’s been an incredible support to so many of us on a personal level too. For Liz and Hugh, her kindness and willingness to scoop up the boys (often bouncing them on her knee while answering the phone!) gave them the space to grow the family-run practice into what it is today. For the rest of us, she has been a friend, a confidante, and often the person we turned to for wise words, encouragement, or simply a smile on a tough day.
The messages, cards, thoughtful gifts, and number of people who came by today to wish her well say everything about the impact she’s had – not just on the practice, but on all of us who’ve had the pleasure of working alongside her.
Patty – thank you doesn’t begin to cover it. We will miss you more than words can say, but we know you’ll still pop in (and hopefully keep the gin cupboard stocked!). Most importantly, we hope you enjoy every moment of the time and freedom you have ahead.
No one deserves it more. 💙
